Joseph Eisinger, 36
Organic Buyer, Katzman Produce, Bronx, NY
June 12, 2026 | 1 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Albertson, NY
Hobbies: Golf, Tennis, Numismatics (the study and collection of coins and currency)
Family/Community: Married, 2 daughters
Motto in life: Self reflect every day.
Eisinger represents the next generation of produce leadership by combining operational knowledge, commercial instincts, and a forward-looking vision for organics.
He began his career in the produce industry at a young age, working on the receiving side of the business in the summer at E. Armata, gaining hands-on experience in warehouse operations and learning about products, quality control and logistics.
After college, he was drawn to the industry’s stability and fast-paced environment and chose to pursue produce full time. He began working at Nathel and Nathel, and advanced from warehouse roles into a foreman position, and then transitioned into retail sales. In this role, he built on his product knowledge and developed stronger relationships.
Recognizing increasing demand for organics, he moved into buying at Katzman in 2024, playing a key role in developing Katzman’s Organic Department, including a dedicated USDA-compliant organic warehouse. He has helped expand the program from 20 SKUs to 200 plus in two years.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
I was introduced to the produce industry by my father. He actually had a route and brought me to see the Hunts Point Produce Market when I was 13. At 16, I was working on the receiving side during the summer, and that early exposure gave me a strong appreciation for how the business operates.
After college, I was looking for a stable career path and went into produce full time. I already had experience in the industry and genuinely enjoyed the fast-paced, hands-on environment, so it felt like a natural decision to build my career here.
Q: What do you wish you knew when you first started your career?
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Early on, there’s pressure to get everything right, but over time, you realize that mistakes are valuable if you learn from them. In my role, the key is to analyze what went wrong, adjust, and be transparent with customers. That mindset helps you grow and build stronger, more honest relationships with coworkers and customers.
Q: What is the one thing in produce that you are most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about providing customers with high-quality organic products that I personally believe in. There’s a strong connection when you’re selling something you would buy and consume yourself. It goes beyond just moving product. It’s about standing behind what you offer and delivering value to customers in a meaningful way.
Q: Where do you think growth happens the most?
Growth is driven most at the operational level. You can generate demand through sales and marketing, but if your operations can’t support growth, whether it’s inventory, logistics, or execution, you ultimately limit your ability to scale. Strong operations create the foundation that allows every other part of the business to grow sustainably.
Q: What are some trends you think fuel consumers to purchase more produce?
One of the biggest trends is the growing connection between food and health. Consumers are becoming more aware of how fresh produce supports overall wellness, and that shift is driving increased demand. As the industry continues to educate consumers on the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, it reinforces the idea that produce is not just food, but an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
NOMINEES
